Programming Languages
A simple intro to programming languages and programs
Language
In short programming languages are languages we speak to the computer. They consist of keywords that specify commands the computer should follow to complete a little task.
Program
A program can be seen as a sentence or paragraph or book of a language or languages, that contain series of programming keywords that the computer follows to complete a bigger task.
A Concrete Example
Keywords in the English language: the, room, tomorrow, sweep. Those words individually make sense a bit, but leaves a normal human in a trance. This can be perceived as keywords in a programming language.
Now, when we form a sentence with some of those keywords, we then know an action we can perform to make impact. Like: “sweep the room”. This can also be perceived as a program.
Languages and their power
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript: Almost all the apps we use nowadays are powered by these three musketeers. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, etc. use these languages. They are very easy to learn. And you can create something great instantly.
- Java: This language is used to write Android, desktop and server applications. You can advance to this after grasping some programming fundamentals from JavaScript or Python.
- Python: This is another powerful programming language that has been adopted to a wide range of industries. From Artificial Intelligence to games to 3d programs and server applications.
Other languages include Kotlin, C/C++, Go, etc. Every language has its own strength and weaknesses. So when choosing a new language to learn, take into consideration that it can accomplish the goals you want to achieve and the support the community provides when in need of help.
